Empowering Communities: The Impact of Our Village Store

In the heart of Bagungi, where access to basic necessities can be a challenge, the 7 Blessings Project Foundation has established a small store to serve the surrounding villages. More than just a shop, this store is a vital resource, providing essential goods while also fostering economic growth and sustainability.

A Lifeline for Essential Goods

For many families in the region, getting daily necessities means traveling long distances, often on foot, to the nearest market. Our store bridges this gap by offering a wide range of essential products close to home. From staple foods to hygiene products, our inventory is carefully selected to meet daily needs. Some of our most popular items include:

• Food Staples: Rice, beans, flour, fufu flour, powdered milk, spaghetti, tomato paste, sardines, dried and frozen fish, chicken necks, Maggi cubes, sugar, salt, oil, yeast, garlic, and onion.

• Newly Introduced Items: On our last trip, we brought Mr. Noodles, a simple but filling meal that villagers had never tried before. One package can be extended with other ingredients to create a meal for an entire family. We also introduced toothbrushes, an important step toward improving oral hygiene in the community.

• Household Necessities: Matches, hand soap, clothing soap, and mosquito repellent.

• Treats and Beverages: Tea, suckers (candies), and gum.

These items not only provide sustenance but also improve health and hygiene, reducing the risk of malnutrition and disease in the villages we serve.

Supporting the Local Economy

Beyond meeting basic needs, the store plays a crucial role in the local economy. It creates jobs for villagers, supports local farmers and suppliers, and reinvests profits into the foundation’s initiatives. By keeping the store stocked with affordable essentials, we ensure that families can stretch their income while accessing high-quality products.

Additionally, the store serves as a gathering place, strengthening community ties and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship. As we continue to expand, we aim to source more products locally, further empowering the people we serve.

A Step Toward Sustainability

The store is part of the 7 Blessings Project Foundation’s broader mission to create long-term, self-sustaining solutions. Instead of relying solely on external donations, the income generated helps fund other essential programs, including education, healthcare, and agriculture projects. Every purchase made supports these initiatives, creating a cycle of positive impact.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Reach

As we continue to grow, our vision is to expand the store’s reach beyond the immediate villages. One of our long-term goals is to purchase a quad or motorcycle, allowing us to transport larger quantities of goods and reach even more people in remote areas. This would help ensure that those living farther away also have access to affordable food and household essentials without the burden of long-distance travel.

We hope to make this vision a reality with the support of donors and partners who share our mission of providing sustainable resources to those in need.

With every bag of rice, bar of soap, or packet of tea sold, we are not just providing goods—we are building a stronger future for surrounding villages.

Leya Russell

Leya is a people photographer located in Calgary, AB Canada

http://www.leyarussell.com
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Water Well Bagungi Journey To Clean Water: The Well That Transformed Our Community.